Paper Short Abstract:

This paper explores how clothing in Frances Burney's "The Wanderer" serves as a means of "un-writing" and "re-writing" narratives, reflecting identity, social norms, and cultural practices, and highlighting the heroine Juliet's role as both subject and creator of dress.

Paper Abstract:

This paper aims to explore how dress functions as a means of "un-writing" and "re-writing" narratives. By analyzing the interplay between clothing, identity, and social structures, it highlights the significance of dress in shaping both the story and the cultural context of the period.

The discussion will focus on three main aspects:

1. Narrative Structure: How clothing influences the plot and external perceptions of the protagonist, Juliet, reflecting broader societal norms and values. The stages of the novel are marked by Juliet's attire, which drives the narrative forward.

2. Juliet as a Producer of Clothing: Juliet's work as a milliner and embroiderer positions her as an active participant in using dress as a tool of "unwriting" and "re-writing", offering insights into the economic and social conditions of the time. This also highlights how Burney herself uses clothing to challenge conventions of contemporary society and literature.

3. Psychological and Cultural Dimensions: The impact of Juliet's various disguises on her psychological state and how these costumes express her inner conflicts and identity, while also engaging with cultural practices and beliefs about dress. This approach shows how clothing serves as a lens to explore social tensions and identity.

By using clothing as a lens, this paper aims to provide a focused perspective on the novel's engagement with social structures and identity. This approach not only underscores the thematic richness of Burney's work but also offers insight into the conventions of contemporary society and literature at the intersection between literary studies and ethnology.